Rock en Seine is set to return to Paris this year from 20th to 24th August. With its mix of indie, rock and alternative acts, it attracts a youthful, international crowd – many aged between 20 and 35 – eager to experience a long summer weekend in Paris like no other.
The roots of Rock en Seine
Launched in 2003, Rock en Seine was initially a one-day event featuring only ten bands. Over time, it has evolved into a five-day festival drawing over 150,000 visitors annually. And initially drawing most of its crowds from France, it quickly expanded. Now it runs with 5 stages and 85 acts. Its setting in the sprawling gardens of Saint-Cloud — a former royal estate on the edge of Paris — provides a unique atmosphere, combining grand
Out & About
Paris’s public transport is reliable and extensive. A single metro ticket costs €2.15 ( ̴ £1.90), with a one-day pass for central zones priced at about €8.65 ( ̴ £7.50). Night buses (Noctilien) run after the metro closes, offering options for late-night festival returns, though they can be crowded. For those opting for taxis, expect to pay a base fee of €8.00 ( ̴ £7.00) and then €2.00 ( ̴ £1.75) per km. Expect around €30–€40 ( ̴ £25.00-£30.00 ) from central Paris to Saint-Cloud.
While the city is largely card-friendly, smaller cafés, boulangeries and taxi drivers often prefer cash for lower-value transactions (typically under €10–€15). For festival-goers exploring neighbourhood eateries or late-night snacks, cash remains a handy option.
Food and drink costs
Festival beer prices are around €8–€10 ( ̴ £7.00-£9.00 ), comparable to major music events elsewhere. Parisian bars offer pints for €6–€9 ( ̴ £5.20-£7.80 ). Expect to pay €5–€12 ( ̴ £4.30-£10.50 ) for street food options like crêpes, galettes, or burgers. A coffee in a typical café will cost €4–€5 ( ̴ £3.50-£4.30), and a soft drink is about €2–€3 ( ̴ £1.75-£2.60 ) in shops but closer to €5 ( ̴ £4.30 ) in bars.
Indulging in Parisian classics – pastries, artisanal cheese platters or fresh baguette sandwiches – is all part of the experience, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for terrace surcharges at busy spots.
Tipping culture
Service is included in French restaurant bills, but rounding up or leaving €1- €3 for exceptional service is common. In taxis, rounding up or adding 5 -10% is standard. In bars, tipping is not obligatory but appreciated.
Why carry cash for Rock-en Seine?
Though Rock en Seine operates as a cashless festival on-site, carrying euros is still useful for city expenses before and after the event. Small shops, independent food stalls, and local markets often require or prefer cash, and having it on hand avoids card minimums and potential technical issues.
In the UK, a service like Money4Travel simplifies your preparation. With competitive rates (it scans for the best within a 10-minute drive of your postcode), online booking, and convenient local collection points, it helps you sort your euros in advance without the stress of last-minute airport kiosks. Their buy-back guarantee for leftover cash and loyalty programme (Pips) adds further peace of mind.
Rock en Seine – Line-up and cultural experience
In 2025, expect an eclectic line-up mixing established names with rising stars. The festival’s commitment to both big stages and smaller, and experimental areas, encourages visitors to explore beyond mainstream acts. Art installations, workshops, and children’s activities make Rock en Seine a cultural event in its own right.
Add to that its proximity to Paris’s museums and historical landmarks, and means you can easily blend your festival days with sightseeing. From the Eiffel Tower to small bistro-lined streets, there is no shortage of opportunities to soak up the city’s charm.
Rock en Seine offers a rich combination of music, heritage, and urban adventure — and knowing how to handle your daily costs, especially when it comes to cash, is key to making the most of it.
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Money4Travel – the online service for foreign currency sales in the UK. More about the author.
For reference: Rock en Seine; Paris Tourist Office; Metro fares; Numbeo-Paris
